Travelers and Wanderers around the Universe

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Six Years ago I thought my hope of having kids of my own and being married is over for me. I was in the stage of life where I'm beginning to question myself if I ever going to find a man who could love me for what I am, who would understand my family situation, and who would marry me. But I guess it's Destiny that brought us together. Never in my wild imagination had I ever dreamed of marrying a man that came from a different race, beliefs and culture.

In March 2003, John(my bf then) and I met for the first time face to face. I went to Manila the evening of March 21st right after the final defense of my thesis to fetch John at the airport the next morning. Whoa, what a schedule! I was so drained and exhausted from my defense but at the same time excited and anxious about meeting the man of my dreams.

Fr. Baby, a good friend of mine, fetched me at the bus station in Cubao and took me to Catholic Trade in Manila where I rested for few hours while waiting for John's flight arrival. Later that day, Fr. Baby sent his driver to take me to the airport (Fr. Babes, I can't thank you enough for all the advises and good deeds you've done for me!).

While waiting for the plane to land, I was a bundle of nerves, so full of mixed emotions. I was very tense and felt like throwing up. I told myself "this is it, it's now or never". John and I had an agreement that I would wear a yellow top and he a red one so we could easily identify each other in such a large crowd. I played a little trick, I put a black jacket on top of my yellow top so as to not be so easily identified. Although I stood before him, smiling and knees shaking, he overlooked me because he didn't see the yellow color that I was supposed to wear. So I approached him and gave him a hug and he told me "You got me on that one".

So we went and stayed a night or two in Manila Gallery Suites before proceeding to Bicol to meet my family. Even though my family couldn't speak english, John tried to communicate with them through me (I was the translator lol). Mama was very nervous but Papa talked to John bravely because he was drunk (that's why he's so courageous hehehe). John stayed for 10 days in my apartment in Legazpi City then flew back to Guam.

These photos were taken during John's second visit in the Philippines, when we decided to tie the knot (civil wedding).

Hi Rose! I am totally inspired after reading your wonderful story. From the time you battle poverty by persevering with finishing your education, getting your masters, then finding the love of your life, it was such a difficult but sweet journey. I've been through a lot also, but unlike you I still haven't found my "Knight in Shining Armour". Maybe subconsciously I am a man-hater being in a broken family, abandoned by my father who went to US... It's like I don't trust men anymore, but after reading your love story, maybe there's still hope for me. Thank you so much for sharing your life. And do continue writing about it, I am hopelessly romantic you know..hehe. Take care.:)

It was so nice to read your fairy-tale story. Both of you are really lucky to have each other, and I pray to God that your relationship strengthens with each passing day, and matures further into an even more fragrant and beautiful. Your kids are really cute, by the way ;)

I had a bit of distress this week, but after reading your blog, I can sense some "feel good" vibes around me!

awww...so sweet hahaha....the rest is history ha? LOL! Well, he is a good man and both of you are lucky to have each other. I am inspired and happy to read a happy endings you know. Amazing love story to share.

Good for you that you have a companion when you go to the airport. I was alone and 1 AM pa naman. I was so brave at that time. God is with me kasi everything works according to plan. What an experience , nakakarelate ako sayo.LOL

Pareho pala tayo,I never thought I can marry a man w/ diff'rent race & culture & if you really destined to each other kahit yata anong mangyari kayo at kayo pa rin.I'm happy for you Rose,you've found John..you're night in shining armour.Btw,thanks for droppin' some line 'though 'm not around,'m still on my vacation & be home on the 15th & as I'd promised,I'll try to get in touch w/ you guys the moment I gets in here,'though it's a late reply.Kudos to both of you Rose.I wish you more happiness & more years to be together.'misses you here!:)

Wow very nice story, I felt the same you do, when I first met my husband, sobra pa ung akin kasi gus2 kung tumakbo at d sya i met kasi hiyang hiya ako since ang tangkad pala ng asawa lol..we know each other for almost 5 years and were waiting for our third wedding anniversary in Jan..